Earlier than starring because the title function within the hit Prime Video collection “Reacher,” Alan Ritchson had auditioned for a number of notable superheroes and motion heroes all through his profession, together with Marvel’s Thor. In a brand new Males’s Well being cowl story, Ritchson revealed that he auditioned for the hammer-wielding god of thunder and, due to his look, figured he’d be a shoo-in for the lead within the 2011 Marvel movie.

“I didn’t take it critically,” Ritchson mentioned of the audition. “I used to be like, ‘They’ll throw me the half if I appear to be the man; no person actually cares about appearing,’” The casting group, although, advised Ritchson’s reps that the actor hadn’t proven that he had “the craft,” and the half in the end went to Chris Hemsworth.

At that time in his profession, Ritchson had appeared on “American Idol,” performed Aquaman in a number of episodes of “Smallville,” and scored his comedic breakout function as Thad Citadel within the Spike TV sitcom “Blue Mountain State.” He anticipated “that there can be a cornucopia of comedies for me to select from” after “Blue Mountain State,” however he was not receiving any presents.

After his failed “Thor” audition, Ritchson took appearing extra critically by enrolling in courses and reserving smaller roles on reveals like “Black Mirror,” “New Woman” and “Brooklyn 9-9.” He then nabbed a recurring function in “Titans” as Hank Corridor/Hawk from 2019 to 2021. These initiatives paved the way in which to Ritchson’s breakthrough success in “Reacher.”

“I had about 50 presents the weekend after Season 1 of ‘Reacher’ opened,” Ritchson mentioned. “I knew my life had modified.”